9 Ways to Avoid the Winter Slump

As you head into the new year, don't let cold temperatures and short days put a damper on your motivation to exercise outdoors.

It's true, Some athletes have a self-imposed temperature limit saying, "I won't ride my bike outside if the temperature is less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit."

For others that temperature limit is zero.

Some athletes will run when the thermometer is dancing in the single digits and there is snow on the ground. However, others can't get themselves out the door. (Note: Many athletes find that running in cold weather is easier than cycling, mostly because the wind chill factor is significantly reduced.)

Popular Activities Near You

Ashburn, VA

Let's assume that you want to exercise in cold weather, but you have trouble finding the motivation to actually execute action on that desire. Maybe I can help.

Keep Your Long Term Goals Visible

If your major fitness goals are some six to ten months away, it is easy to skip a workout when the weather is less than balmy. There is a feeling that you have plenty of time. Unfortunately, before you know it one workout turns into two or maybe two each week. Time slips away and suddenly you're only 12 weeks out from your event and in a major panic about fitness.

If you keep your long term goals visible, posted on your refrigerator or office wall, it is easier to get out the door on a 30-degree day.

Plant the thought seed: "I'm going out because I want to give myself the best possible shot at achieving my goals next season."

Have Some Short Term Goals

Write down some weekly and monthly goals. It is easier to get out the door if some of your goals have looming deadlines. It is best if these short term goals contribute to the success of your long term goals.

Recruit Friends Who Have the Same Goals

Misery loves company and it makes for good stories. If you can find friends who have the same goals as you do, it makes toughing out cold conditions more fun.

For example, a group of local endurance athletes have a goal to ride to a city in the mountains just once per month, year round. Though all of the 15 athletes have differing long term goals, this short term goal will get them out in some cold conditions—like below 20 degrees Fahrenheit—on snowy roads and on a mountain bike.

Say it: There is no Bad weather, Only Bad Clothing

If you have the right clothing, exercising outside is invigorating. There are athletes exercising in all kinds of temperatures, rain and snow. You just have to figure out what system of layering you need to stay warm, comfortable and happy in a wide range of temperatures.

Related Items

About the Author

Gale Bernhardt

Gale Bernhardt was the USA Triathlon team coach at the 2003 Pan American Games and 2004 Athens Olympics. She's worked as a World Cup coach and delivered education training for the International Triathlon Union's Sport Development Team. Thousands of athletes have had successful training and racing experiences using Gale's easy-to-follow training plans. You can find some of her training plans on Active Trainer to help you succeed.

Discuss This Article

Triathlon Tips, Training & Advice

How to Run Like a

Triathlete

What's the difference between training for a run and training to run in a triathlon? Find out which rules apply to...

Within 2 Miles

Activities near you will have this indicator!

Within 2 Miles

ACTIVE is the leader in online event registrations from 5k running races and marathons to softball leagues and local events. ACTIVE also makes it easy to learn and prepare for all the things you love to do with expert resources, training plans and fitness calculators.

Frequently Asked Questions

ACTIVE Advantage is the premium membership program of ACTIVE, designed to support and encourage your active lifestyle by providing exclusive discounts on thousands of activities on ACTIVE. No matter what your passions are, it is our mission to make it cheaper and easier for you to pursue the activities you love.

The 30-day trial of the ACTIVE Advantage membership allows you to check out the program for yourself before starting a full annual membership. During this trial period you have full access to member benefits, including all ACTIVE registration discounts, access to free event entries, gear discounts and more. If you decide during the trial period that you don't want to continue the membership, just let us know. Otherwise, at the end of your 30 day trial we will extend your member benefits for a full year at the current annual membership fee.

If you sign up for the 30-day ACTIVE Advantage trial membership you'll receive full access to all member benefits during your trial period. When the 30 days of the trial are up, your benefits will automatically upgrade to the annual membership which currently costs $64.95 per year. That's less than $6 per month to enjoy the program all year round.

Members can receive discounts when registering for events on ACTIVE.com.

Simply follow the steps below to redeem your discount

Step 1: Find an event on ACTIVE and login. Use the ACTIVE directory to find an event. Click the login button in the upper right corner of the event details page. You will be re-directed to a login screen. After logging in, you will be sent back to the event details page.

Step 2: Click the "Register Now" button to sign up for the event. Complete all required registration fields and proceed to payment screen. When logged in as an Advantage member, your discount will automatically apply at the end of registration.

Step 3: Submit registration and receive discount. The discount amount will display in your shopping cart and will be deducted from your registration fees. The registration discount will vary and is excluded from some events. If the discount does not appear in your shopping cart, the event is not eligible.